Last updated 15 August 2022

The Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee (PCCC) is a statutory committee of the Queensland Legislative Assembly established to ensure that the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) acts within the law and uses only the powers provided to it by the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (Qld) (Crime and Corruption Act). The CCC must report to the PCCC on a regular basis.

The principal function of the PCCC is to monitor and review the performance of the functions of the CCC and to report to the Legislative Assembly on the CCC’s performance (s 292 Crime and Corruption Act).

The PCCC holds regular meetings with the CCC so that the PCCC can closely scrutinise the CCC’s activities.

The PCCC reviews complaints about the CCC and monitors the progress of complaints investigated by the CCC to ensure that proper procedures are followed. The PCCC is assisted in these tasks by the Parliamentary Commissioner (s 303 Crime and Corruption Act).

The PCCC may issue guidelines and give directions to the CCC. For example, under s 294(1) of the Crime and Corruption Act, the committee may direct the CCC to undertake an investigation.

If the PCCC receives a complaint or has other concerns about the conduct or activities of the CCC or an officer, it may ask the CCC, the Queensland Police Service, other law enforcement agencies (e.g. the Director of Public Prosecutions) or the Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Commissioner to investigate and report (s 295 Crime and Corruption Act).

Any complaint or allegation involving a possible criminal or disciplinary breach by an officer of the CCC is referred to the PCCC to determine whether the matter should be investigated.

It is important therefore for individuals who make complaints to the CCC to document it. Individuals should keep copies of all documents. If complainants are unhappy with the performance of the CCC, they may forward a fully compiled complaint to the PCCC. Complainants may also consult their local member of parliament for advice on how to proceed with a complaint to the PCCC.

The Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Commissioner

The PCCC is supported in its oversight role by the Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Commissioner (s 314 Crime and Corruption Act). The commissioner’s functions include auditing the records and files of the CCC to ensure that it exercises its powers appropriately, maintaining correct registers, exercising its powers with proper authorisation and comply with established guidelines. The commissioner also investigates complaints made to the PCCC against the CCC (s 314 Crime and Corruption Act).